Ezekiel 7:18

They will put on sackcloth, and terror will overwhelm them. Shame will cover all their faces, and all their heads will be shaved.

Study Bible

They will wear sackcloth
In ancient Israel, sackcloth was a coarse material made from goat's hair, often worn as a sign of mourning, repentance, or distress. The Hebrew word for sackcloth, "śaq," signifies a garment of humility and penitence. In the context of Ezekiel 7:18, the wearing of sackcloth symbolizes the deep sorrow and repentance of the people as they face the impending judgment of God. Historically, sackcloth was a public display of one's inner turmoil and acknowledgment of sin, often accompanied by fasting and prayer. This act of wearing sackcloth is a physical manifestation of the people's recognition of their need for divine mercy and forgiveness.

and shuddering will cover them
The phrase "shuddering will cover them" conveys a profound sense of fear and trembling. The Hebrew root word "pāḥad" implies a terror that grips the heart, often associated with the awe and fear of God's judgment. This shuddering is not merely a physical reaction but a deep, spiritual realization of the seriousness of their situation. In the biblical narrative, such fear is often a precursor to repentance, as it drives individuals to seek refuge in God. The covering of shuddering suggests an all-encompassing dread that leaves no part of their being untouched, highlighting the totality of their fear in the face of divine retribution.

shame will cover every face
Shame, in this context, is a profound sense of disgrace and humiliation. The Hebrew word "bōš" indicates a feeling of being confounded or disconcerted. This shame is a result of the people's recognition of their sins and the realization of their failure to live according to God's commandments. In the biblical tradition, shame often accompanies guilt and is a catalyst for repentance and transformation. The covering of every face with shame signifies a collective acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a communal experience of disgrace, emphasizing the widespread nature of their transgressions and the need for communal repentance.

and all their heads will be shaved
The shaving of heads is a traditional sign of mourning and lamentation in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Hebrew word "gālaḥ" refers to the act of shaving or cutting off hair, often done in times of great sorrow or distress. In the context of Ezekiel 7:18, the shaving of heads symbolizes the people's deep grief and the loss of their former glory and pride. It is an outward expression of inner desolation and a visible sign of their submission to God's judgment. This act of shaving the head serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human pride and the need for humility before the Almighty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and the one delivering God's message of judgment and hope.

2. Israel
The primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecy, the nation of Israel is facing judgment due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion against God.

3. Babylonian Exile
The historical context of Ezekiel's prophecy, where the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians as a consequence of their disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Symbolism of Sackcloth and Shaved Heads
Sackcloth and shaved heads are symbols of mourning and repentance. In ancient Israel, these acts were outward expressions of inner sorrow and humility before God. Believers today can reflect on the importance of genuine repentance and humility in their relationship with God.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
Ezekiel 7:18 serves as a sobering reminder of God's righteous judgment against sin. It calls believers to examine their lives and turn away from anything that separates them from God.

The Consequences of Sin
The shame and horror described in this verse highlight the serious consequences of sin. Christians are encouraged to live in obedience to God's commands, understanding that sin leads to spiritual and sometimes physical devastation.

Hope in Repentance
While the verse speaks of judgment, it also implies the possibility of repentance. Believers are reminded that God is merciful and ready to forgive those who turn back to Him with sincere hearts.

Bible Study Questions

1. What cultural significance did sackcloth and shaved heads have in ancient Israel, and how can understanding this enhance our interpretation of Ezekiel 7:18?

2. How does the theme of divine judgment in Ezekiel 7:18 compare to other instances of judgment in the Bible, such as in the book of Revelation?

3. In what ways can modern believers express genuine repentance and humility before God, similar to the practices described in Ezekiel 7:18?

4. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile help us grasp the urgency and seriousness of Ezekiel's message?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of sin. How did repentance and turning back to God bring restoration in your life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 15:2-3
This passage also describes mourning practices such as wearing sackcloth and shaving heads, indicating a common cultural expression of grief and repentance.

Joel 1:13
Similar to Ezekiel, Joel calls for the priests to mourn in sackcloth, emphasizing the theme of repentance in the face of impending judgment.

Revelation 6:15-17
This New Testament passage echoes the theme of terror and shame in the face of divine judgment, showing the continuity of God's justice throughout the Bible.